About this blog

Comings and Goings is a blog written by Theology, Formation, and Evangelism Director Charles B. "Chip" Hardwick as he travels throughout the church. God is on the move out and about in the world, working to redeem all things in Jesus Christ. As we join this mission, by the power of the Spirit we see God on the move. This blog contains glimpses of how Chip finds this to be true in his comings and goings.

You can follow Chip on twitter (@chiphardwick) or find him on Facebook (Chip Hardwick).

During my recent visit to the Dumaguete City, Philippines, for a consultation on theological education in Asia (which you can read about here and here), I had an amazing opportunity to visit a ministry called the Little Children of the Philippines (LCP). This decades-old ministry reaches out to the poorest of the poor in multiple sites around Dumaguete City, housing orphans, running community centers, giving job training and opportunities, and holding Bible studies and worship.

I was in Dumaguete City, the Philippines a couple of weeks ago for a consultation on theological education in Asia. There were about twenty representatives from South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States. Most who were there were professors, but some denominational staff members, a bishop, and some mission co-workers were also present. The event was very well-coordinated by the World Mission Office for Asia.

Last week while I was traveling in Asia I had the opportunity to do ministry at Union Church in Hong Kong. One unique opportunity I had while there was to moderate the ordination panel for a recent seminary graduate who is serving at the church. Since he is a member of a non-denominational congregation, Union Church wanted him to experience some kind of ordination exam similar to what Presbyterians undergo.

Our goal in producing this guide is to help the church think in nuanced ways about the issue of marriage—in particular same-gender marriage. The General Assembly did not ask us to write a paper marking a specific position, but rather to ask questions designed to help congregations and participants understand more clearly what they themselves believe. Please pray alongside me that the Holy Spirit will use this guide to do just that.